We do not like it when the gospel of the Kingdom makes us confront our tendencies toward, consumerism, materialism, hedonism, elitism, cronyism, racism, sexism, and nationalism. We pick scriptural interpretations and theologies that let us avoid them. Only a Spirit-inspired shakeup can get us out of these Kingdom-killing ways. Only a protracted time of soul searching can bring us to true liberty as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Striving for some kind of revival that does not include dealing with these “ism’s” is a hollow and futile effort. A great emotional stir will not fix it; making religious noise won’t cure it. Spending time with our King will enable us to see what we need to deal with; being open to the Spirit’s deeper work in our life will rescue us from these.
Search me, O God, and know my heart today.
Try me, O Savior; know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from ev’ry sin, and set me free. -J. Edwin Orr
